DAX reaches new record: Investors look at uncertain markets!

DAX reaches new record: Investors look at uncertain markets!

The DAX set a new closing record on Thursday, May 15, 2025, with an increase of 0.72 percent to 23,695.59 points. The TecDAX also showed positive development and rose by 1.0 percent to 3,819.66 points. This day was also the last big day of the reporting season, when many DAX companies such as RWE, Allianz, Merck, Siemens and Deutsche Telekom published their quarterly figures. Despite this positive news, the EURO STOXX 50 only closed with a small gain of 0.16 percent at 5,412.08 points after initially starting negatively.

The current developments on the stock markets in the euro area show a respite after a recovery rally. Market participants reported weakening momentum in the USA and a negative market environment, while US stock markets showed mixed signs. The Dow Jones opened 0.65 percent weaker at 41,777.98 points, but turned positive. The NASDAQ Composite temporarily suffered a loss of 0.60 percent to 19,031.24 points. Mixed US economic data, including retail sales and labor market data, did not provide any noticeable stimulus.

Trade conflicts and economic concerns

Investors are looking ahead to a new trading week with caution, while geopolitical risks and tensions in global trade, particularly US tariff policy, are weighing on the DAX. The European Central Bank (ECB) recently announced a key interest rate cut to 2.25 percent, which sparks new hope. Since June 2024, the ECB has made a total of seven interest rate cuts, which makes stocks more attractive compared to bonds and could stabilize the DAX. This was supported by the statement of ECB President Christine Lagarde, who speaks of a good disinflation process and aims for sustainable inflation towards the 2 percent target.

Nevertheless, the ECB warns of a deteriorating growth prospect due to increasing trade conflicts, especially with the USA. Investors are eagerly awaiting crucial economic data, such as the purchasing managers' indices for Germany, the Eurozone, the USA and Japan. The Fed Beige Book is also on the agenda. The Ifo business climate will be published on Thursday, with analysts expecting a decline in expectations, especially for export-oriented companies.

Outlook for the reporting season

The reporting season is entering the next round. The figures from SAP and Tesla are due on Tuesday evening. SAP will report a rise in profits due to staff cuts, while Tesla is likely to be under pressure due to competition and pricing pressure. Quarterly figures from AbbVie, AutoNation, Colgate-Palmolive, Phillips 66, Atoss Software, Schulberger, Südzucker and Saab are expected on Friday. In addition, general meetings of Merck KGaA, Bayer and Continental are taking place, which could have additional influence on the markets.

In Asia, the stock markets were less successful: the Nikkei 225 fell 0.98 percent to 37,755.51 points, the Shanghai Composite fell 0.68 percent to 3,380.82 points, and the Hang Seng lost 0.79 percent to 23,453.16 points. The weaker US dollar and profit-taking following previous price gains had a negative impact on the Asian markets. Investors are also concerned about Friday's GDP numbers from Japan, which could shed light on the impact of U.S. tariff policy. There is also uncertainty due to reports that the USA is aiming for a weaker dollar.

The turbulence on the stock markets is likely to continue for the time being, while gold is becoming increasingly important as a safe haven. The current market situation remains tense and investors are carefully monitoring future developments.

For further details see Finance.net and The shareholder.